| Friedreich's ataxia | <neurology> An autosomal recessive inherited disorder that leads to the progressive dysfunction of the cerebellum, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Symptoms usually begin in childhood before puberty and consist of an unsteady gait (ataxia), slurred speech (dysarthria) and jerky eye movements (nystagmus). Other findings include kyphoscoliosis, hammer toe, heart disease and high arches. Congestive heart failure is a common complication. There is no known treatment and prognosis is poor. Inheritance: autosomal recessive. (07 Apr 1998) |
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| Friedreich's phenomenon | The tympanitic percussion sound over a pulmonary cavity is slightly raised in pitch on deep inspiration. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Friedreich's sign | <clinical sign> In adherent pericardium, sudden collapse of the previously distended veins of the neck at each diastole of the heart. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Friedreich, Nikolaus | <person> German neurologist, 1825-1882. See: Friedreich's ataxia, Friedreich's phenomenon, Friedreich's sign. (05 Mar 2000) |
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